Flydubai pilot‑co‑pilot clash forces emergency landing in Saudi Arabia

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv carrying more than 170 passengers was forced to land in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a reported altercation between the captain and co‑pilot.

According to Israeli officials, the co‑pilot stabbed the captain, Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, before the captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing crew and passengers to intervene and regain control of the aircraft.

The aircraft lost altitude rapidly, dropping from 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet within a minute, before stabilising and landing safely about an hour after the distress call at 8:44 local time.

Both pilots were injured and received treatment in Saudi Arabia; the alleged attacker has been taken into custody but not yet charged. No official confirmation of his citizenship or flying credentials has been released.

The United Arab Emirates has opened an investigation to determine the incident’s circumstances, motives and any possible terrorist links. The UAE’s Attorney General, Hamad Saif al‑Shamsi, said the probe will collect evidence and verify any prior planning.

Flydubai’s certification and oversight fall under the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, which requires pilots to hold a valid licence, type rating, Class 1 medical certificate and English proficiency, with thorough vetting of security and mental health.

Source: Al Jazeera. Photo: Leah Newhouse / Pexels.